Planning a 1969 Mach 1 Fastback + Coyote Swap

[krishv88]

Hi everyone,

I’m Murali from Sydney, Australia. I’m in the early research and planning phase of a long-term dream project: building a 1969 Mustang Mach 1 Fastback restomod, starting from scratch.

I don’t have a shell or parts yet — just the vision. I want to take the time to understand the full scope before I start sourcing anything. This will be a DIY build, done step-by-step over time.

A bit about me:

• I’m not a mechanic, but I’m comfortable with tools and hands-on work, as long as I understand what I’m doing.
• I know this is a complex build, especially with the engine swap and steering conversion, but I’m fully committed to learning as I go and seeing it through.

Here’s the rough plan:

• Car: 1969 Mustang Mach 1 (rolling shell or decent body)
• Engine: Gen 2 Coyote (2015–2017) — modern power, easier swap support
• Transmission: Manual (likely Tremec)
• Right-hand drive (RHD) conversion as part of the build
• Restomod style — modern tech, vintage character
• Focused on keeping it budget-conscious and doing as much of the work myself as possible

I’d love to hear from anyone who has done something similar:

• Any tips or lessons from Coyote swaps into vintage Mustangs?
• Considerations for the RHD conversion — what should I expect or watch out for?
• Advice on sourcing a shell, drivetrain, or parts in Australia or from US-based suppliers who ship here?
• Things you’d do differently if you were starting over?

This will be a long-term project and I’m not in a rush — I just want to get it right.

Your guidance, shared experiences, and any words of wisdom will be incredibly helpful and would mean a lot and much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
Murali

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[MAT1955]

@krishv88 ..... there is a guy named Tony Unica who has posted extensively about the holes in the front fender liners of the 2024 Mustang GTs and his fixes. In the video he took of those holes you could see the shell of a Mustang fastback through a door into another area of his garage and what I believe are Mustang fenders being painted. I believe Tony builds Mustangs. You may want to contact him .... I'd find his video and see if you can DM or PM him through one of those. Cheers MT.

 

[GWink]

Hmmm……….you say you are not very “mechanical?”…….boy, a swap like this is incredibly complex and mechanically intense. Look at your budget for this, then triple it……I personally don’t have pockets deep enough to even know where to begin a project this intricate and demanding!

 

[krishv88]

Thank you Mat !!

@krishv88 ..... there is a guy named Tony Unica who has posted extensively about the holes in the front fender liners of the 2024 Mustang GTs and his fixes. In the video he took of those holes you could see the shell of a Mustang fastback through a door into another area of his garage and what I believe are Mustang fenders being painted. I believe Tony builds Mustangs. You may want to contact him .... I'd find his video and see if you can DM or PM him through one of those. Cheers MT.

 

[krishv88]

Hmmm……….you say you are not very “mechanical?”…….boy, a swap like this is incredibly complex and mechanically intense. Look at your budget for this, then triple it……I personally don’t have pockets deep enough to even know where to begin a project this intricate and demanding!

You are right. I am not too mechanical. All I have is experience handling tools, desire and motivation to get this project whole. Coming to the cost, doing this project long term is my way of managing the costs. Save up, buy the parts, finish a step and keep progressing...

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